AFA-CWA’s expertise in developing Flight Attendant training was recognized yet again with an invitation to participate in the FAA’s Air Carrier Training Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ACT ARC), in addition to AFA’s leadership in developing global training standards, as published by a United Nations specialized agency.
The three-day meeting of the Federal Aviation Administration’s ACT ARC took place the week of April 14, 2014 at Department of Transportation (DOT) in Washington, DC to resume the process of reviewing initiatives to change or enhance training for Flight Attendants, Pilots and Dispatchers. The ARC includes representatives of aviation employee groups, air carriers, and training centers in the US aviation industry.
“Our intention is to ensure that Flight Attendant training regulations are updated to enhance quality and effectiveness,” said AFA Air Safety, Health and Security Coordinator Candace Kolander, who represents AFA on the committee. “The first ARC drafted performance standards that were completed for Flight Attendants, pilots and dispatchers but only the pilot training rule was finalized, leaving Flight Attendants with training standards enacted in the ‘70s and ‘80s.”
AFA’s expertise in creating performance standards for Flight Attendants is widely recognized in the international arena.
At the United Nation’s International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), AFA represented the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) as labor’s only cabin crew voice in the UN specialized agency during a two-year process, that culminated in ICAO publishing the over 200-page ICAO Cabin Crew Safety Training Manual. The manual establishes an international baseline for cabin crew competencies, by providing international regulators and operators with guidance to develop cabin crew safety training based on proficiency in duties and responsibilities.
“AFA has demonstrated their leadership and expertise when it comes to cabin crew training,” said Gabriel Mocho Rodriguez, ITF Civil Aviation Secretary. “That’s why AFA has been representing us at ICAO with the support of other ITF affiliates. We thank AFA for this effort.”
Comprised of representatives from industry, 191 nations and other aviation representatives, ICAO develops international Standards and Recommended Practices that are used to develop legally-binding national civil aviation regulations. AFA will work to support the FAA’s adoption of the standards and practices suggested in the ICAO Cabin Crew Safety Training Manual
